The Power of Laughter

How many times in a day do you feel sad or hear about sadness in the world around you? Lately it seems every time I pick up the newspaper, turn on the television, or speak to a friend, I hear about some issue that is creating enormous stress in one’s life. Many have lost  theirs jobs, lost loved ones, have health issues or just find life overwhelming. Sounds depressing, yes? It doesn’t have to be!

A quote comes to mind:
“There are only three things in life that are real: God, Human Folly and Laughter. In that the first two are beyond our comprehension, we must do what we can with the third.” JFK

Think back on witnessing a toddler running and laughing. What comes to mind?? Happiness!

The healing power of laughter is so incredibly commanding not just for the toddler but for children of all ages, which includes you. The energy laughter generates moves us into a positive state. Sometimes it is momentary, other times sustaining. We all want to be “happy” in life; we all want to experience good health, joy and harmony for ourselves and the ones we love. Our bodies and mind have a predisposition toward health and energy. Studies have shown how laughter affects the human physiology. It has been shown to reduce pain, strengthen immune function, decrease stress, and help put life’s “trials and tribulations into a healthy perspective by making them seem smaller”. So many of us take ourselves much too seriously. Laughter has a positive impact on lightening us up.

I tried an experiment last week with powerful results. I contracted with myself for a week that regardless of what the day held, I would have the intention to create humor/laughter at least once a day for myself or someone else. It was a fun exercise. I found my laughter to be contagious. It it not only helped be but those I came in contact with. After returning from a busy day instead of watching my usual news programs, I intentionally tuned to Comedy Central, or watched an old clip of I Love Lucy.  Does anyone remember that show? If so you can guess what era I'm from. As I watched these programs, I felt myself smiling. It wasn’t an outburst of laughter but a quiet amusement. I actually could feel my body start to relax. Unfortunately, I was enjoying myself so much, dinner ended up on the table about 1 hour later than normal.. Oh, well,.. you can't sweat the small stuff. The choices I made that week to create and generate laughter , energized me to perform better. It put the small issues and even the big ones in better perspective. I actually slept better that week than I had in a long time..

So tomorrow, if you are feeling overly serious or a heaviness in your relationships, job, or health status, be mindful to create laughter for yourself or some else. So lighten up and have some fun!!